Book Review: Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson

Dear Evan Hansen by Steven LevensonLyricists: Benj Pasek, Justin PaulPublished: 2017Genre: DFormat: PaperbackPages: 165Source: LibraryDates Read: June 3-4, 2018Grade: A-Goodreads Synopsis: An original musical that explores the poignant desire for human connection in the tumultuous life of one young man. Evan is shy, lonely, and bullied for it―teeming with the irrepressible emotions all too familiar with anyone who’s ever been a teenager. After a tragedy strikes, Evan’s life suddenly gets turned around, but is it ultimately for the better?

Review: I like coming across stuff like this. The book contains the script and lyrics from the musical, so whenever a song came up, I would listen to it on the soundtrack. I think reading something in that way really helps you get into the story when you can’t go watch the actual show on Broadway and is probably the next-best way you can approach the story. I’d love to have a soundtrack for every book I read — I think that’d be awesome. When I can, I try to listen to music that relates to the story in some way. Set in Scotland? Listen to the Outlander soundtracks. Regency era? Jane Austen soundtracks. Colonial America? Hamilton, TURN, The Patriot. High fantasy? Video game soundtracks…You get the idea.

As for the story itself, it is thought-provoking, entertaining, and at times harrowing. It is very deserving of its praise. I actually know someone with the same name as one of the characters, and that made certain parts of the story a bit jarring for me personally (but of course it doesn’t take away from the story). I can’t really say much without giving the plot away, but you should go read it. It’s great.

Favorite Lyrics:

No one deserves to be fogotten / No one deserves to fade away. / No one should come and go / And have no one know / He was ever even here / No one deserves / to disappear (79) – Connor / Evan

No one should flicker out / Or have any doubt / That it matters that they are here (80) – Connor / Evan

Today is going to be a good day and here’s why. Because today, no matter what else, today at least…you’re you. No hiding, no lying. Just…you. And that’s…that’s enough. (163) – Evan